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A comprehensive survey of 270 Year 12 and 13 students reveals work experience, financial prospects, and clear progression paths are crucial to retaining young talent in Ipswich.
Why it matters: Nearly half of local students would stay in the area for higher salaries and financial incentives, while 45% want more job opportunities – insights that could help address local talent retention challenges.
The big picture: Findings from the student-led research project were presented at a recent business networking breakfast by One Sixth Form College students Elia Palmer and Jess Dam, providing businesses with direct insights into what motivates young people's career choices.
By the numbers: Students identified three main ways businesses could better support them:
77% of students (209 respondents) identified providing more work experience opportunities as their top request from businesses
55% (148 respondents) wanted hands-on project opportunities54% (147 respondents) sought transparent job application processes
47% cited higher salaries and financial incentives as key to keeping them local
32.7% strongly agreed that competitive salaries and benefits could attract and retain young talent
33.1% strongly agreed that clear progression opportunities were important
What's next: Current plans after sixth form show 36.7% of students are aiming for university, 25.9% for apprenticeships, 12.9% are planning a gap year, and 9% are heading directly into full-time work.
When deciding their next steps after sixth form, students ranked passion and personal interest first, followed by salary prospects, work-life balance, job stability, and career progression opportunities.
The bottom line: For businesses looking to attract and retain young talent in Ipswich, the research provides clear direction: create more work experience opportunities, offer competitive financial packages, and ensure clear career progression paths.
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